A Shout Out to Americans Working on Labor Day 2012

Most of us will probably be taking a little time off this weekend for marching in parades, picnics with friends and family, and watching some great U.S. Open tennis.

It’s the last blast of summer, especially for families with kids in school and students heading off to college, while couples, singles, and empty-nesters head out to enjoy the pleasures of Indian summer and autumn.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Labor Day has been the first Monday in September since the first observance in 1882 in New York City. Started by the early labor movement, it remains dedicated to the social and economic achievements of all American workers.

This quote from the DOL website reminds us why we celebrate this late-summer holiday: “The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known, and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.”

Many Americans will be working as police officers, firemen, store clerks, movie theater and resort staff, not to mention the men and women serving our country around the world at embassies and military outposts, making sure the rest of us have a relaxing and safe holiday. While we pat ourselves on the back, let’s say “HOLLA!” to them, shall we?